Altamont homes open their doors

Mansions, Victorians, other architectural gems are part of tour

Published 7:56 pm, Thursday, December 6, 2012

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Visitors make their way onto a trolly to begin the house tour at the 10th Annual Altamont Victorian Holidays on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in Altamont, NY. The event also featured a living nativity and the lighting of the village's holiday tree. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Visitors make their way onto a trolly to begin the house tour at the 10th Annual Altamont Victorian Holidays on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in Altamont, NY. The event also featured a living nativity and the lighting ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Visitors make their way onto a trolly to begin the house tour at the 10th Annual Altamont Victorian Holidays on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in Altamont, NY. The event also featured a living nativity and the lighting of the village's holiday tree. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Visitors make their way onto a trolly to begin the house tour at the 10th Annual Altamont Victorian Holidays on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in Altamont, NY. The event also featured a living nativity and the lighting ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

Altamont homes open their doors

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ALTAMONT — The village of Altamont, founded in 1897, but settled long before that, is known in part for its historic housing stock. On Sunday, history lovers, architecture lovers and those simply curious for a glimpse inside their neighbors' homes will have the chance to tour some of the community's most impressive houses at the 11th Annual Victorian Holiday House Tours.

Among the six houses on the tour is the 21-room Victorian mansion belonging to the Rev. Joseph Girzone, best-selling author of the "Joshua" series. The house was built sometime in the 1880s, and is known for its grand hilltop views, as well as its impressive expanse.

Another home, the gingerbread cottage-cute Williams House on Maple Avenue, was completed in 1886. Victorian details such as bay windows and elaborately carved exterior finishings are a draw as is the extensive art collection of owner Frank Williams.

"Every year, we try to pick new homes, but after 11 years we're running out of new ones," said Judith Dineen, president of Altamont Community Tradition, which stages the tour as part of the annual Victorian Holidays Celebration.

Dineen refused to pick a favorite — they're all just too lovely, she gushed.

This year the house tour added a modern home, a first. The Harris House sits on historic property, but Dineen said it was built just 10 years ago, recreating the Federal style with exacting detail.

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Proceeds from the tour's $10 tickets will go to projects aimed at preserving and enhancing the community. In the past, the ACT has donated funds to install park benches, assist with park maintenance, host village events and last year to Schoharie after it was devastated by Tropical Storm Irene. This year, the ACT expects to raise $4,000 to $5,000.

House-peepers can travel from house to house via trolley and up to the hilltop "Joshua House" by a van service.

Other events at the holiday celebration include a silent auction for elaborately festooned wreaths, a live Nativity, a village tree lighting and kids activities that include Santa's arrival (with presents) on a train.